Marvel: Beginning with the Collection of Shinra Tensei

The next day, Han Yu woke up around noon.

However, it wasn't a natural awakening—it was the result of a pressing need after drinking too much.

"Ugh, my head hurts from all the drinking," Han Yu muttered, clutching his throbbing head as he inhaled sharply. "Those guys from Saitama just kept forcing drinks on me. I've never seen anyone chug wine like beer, downing it glass after glass."

The aftermath of last night's revelry left most people sound asleep, except for one person sitting in the living room, engrossed in watching TV.

"Aren't you going to sleep?" Han Yu asked. The person watching TV was Galacta .

"Sleep? I don't follow the same biological clock as you Earthlings. I can go hundreds of years without needing rest."

Galacta had swapped out her usual purple "exotic outfit" for a casual white T-shirt and denim shorts. She sat on the couch with her long, fair legs crossed, leaning lazily against the armrest. A soft beam of sunlight streamed in through the window, illuminating the side of her face, creating an exquisitely tranquil scene.

The sight momentarily stunned Han Yu, leaving him in a daze. A sudden, shrill ringtone snapped him out of it.

He glanced at the phone. The caller was Stark. Answering the call, he was met with Stark's hurried voice.

"Han, are you on Earth?"

For most people, such a question would be baffling. Asking if someone is at home or in the shower is one thing, but asking if they're on Earth? That's a first.

Of course, the question made sense in Han Yu's case. He frequently left Earth to visit other planets or worlds for various matters. Stark, aware of this habit, phrased his inquiry accordingly.

"I'm here. What's the matter? Why so anxious?" Han Yu frowned. For Stark to call in this tone, something serious must have happened.

"There's an uninvited guest here. What he's saying is hard to believe, and I doubt the Avengers can handle it alone. We need your help," Stark explained.

"An uninvited guest? Who?" Han Yu asked.

"Thor's brother—Loki!"

Hearing the name, Han Yu was taken aback. Loki was a war criminal who had invaded Earth and was an enemy of the Avengers. Yet now, Loki had come to them, and alone at that.

"Is Asgard in danger?"

That was Han Yu's first thought. It seemed like the only reason Loki would come seeking help. If Thor wasn't here and sent Loki instead, it likely meant Asgard was under threat, and Thor was too occupied to leave, forcing Loki to act as a messenger.

After all, Loki had a penchant for maxing out magic while neglecting physical combat skills. His fighting capabilities were often worse than an ordinary Asgardian guard, so delivering news seemed the safer choice.

"Got it. I'll head over immediately. Where are you?" Han Yu asked.

"Avengers Tower. We're all here."

"Alright, I'll be there soon."

Hanging up, Han Yu stood and turned to Galacta. "I've got something to handle. You—"

"I'm coming with you!" Galacta interrupted, leaping up from the couch.

Looking into Galacta's eyes, Han Yu inexplicably shifted his gaze and said, "Alright, but you'll have to follow my lead and stay close. No wandering off."

"Hehe, no problem. I promise to listen to you," Galacta replied with her eyes narrowing into crescent moons, her expression captivating.

After making their decision, the two stepped outside. Han Yu raised his hand, and a surge of green energy flowed from his ring. In front of the ever-curious Galacta, the energy surrounded them, lifting them off the ground. In the blink of an eye, they soared skyward, heading toward Avengers Tower.

Avengers Tower

In the top-floor conference room, the atmosphere was tense, and the attendees were split into two groups. On one side stood the Avengers, led by Iron Man, Tony Stark; on the other, a contingent of military personnel.

"General Ross, I don't think now is the time to apprehend Loki. Didn't you hear him? Asgard is in danger. Our priority should be to help them through this crisis," Captain America said, standing protectively in front of Loki—a sight that seemed almost surreal.

"Hmph, Rogers, let me remind you that the man standing behind you is a war criminal who invaded New York. Don't you think someone like him deserves to be tried by us? It's obvious Asgard hasn't given him the punishment he deserves," retorted a middle-aged man with a neatly trimmed mustache. This was General Ross, a U.S. Army lieutenant general now in charge of S.H.I.E.L.D. following the arrest of Pierce, whose ties to Hydra had been exposed.

"I'm not defending Loki's actions," Captain America replied firmly. "But I believe this isn't the right time. If Asgard falls, we'll inevitably face the consequences. Helping them now is in everyone's best interest."

Ross's face darkened at these words. He hadn't expected Captain America—normally the most obedient to authority—to openly challenge him. It was a surprising turn of events.

The Avengers, too, were stunned by Captain America's defiance. He had always been the team's steadfast rule-follower, yet here he was, standing up to a commanding officer. This unexpected rebellion sent a wave of excitement through the group.

"Not bad, Cap," someone muttered approvingly.

"Hmph, have you forgotten what happened in New York? Your unauthorized actions caused countless civilian casualties and property damage. And now you dare defy my orders? It seems the Avengers could use some discipline," Ross snapped, trying to regain control of the situation.

"Oh, really? You've got the nerve to say that? If it weren't for us, New York would've been leveled. We're the reason the city survived. Have you forgotten the little detail of you authorizing the launch of a nuclear missile?"

Tony Stark's voice cut through the room, his frustration boiling over. Blaming the Avengers for New York's losses was a step too far, and Stark wasn't about to let it slide.

Indeed, if Stark hadn't risked his life to intercept the missile and redirect it through the portal to destroy the alien mothership, New York would have been reduced to rubble, and the alien threat wouldn't have been contained.

Now, Ross had the audacity to gloss over the military's role and pin the blame on the Avengers. Stark's anger was palpable.

"Tsk, tsk, tsk. The tension in here is thick enough to cut with a knife," came a sarcastic voice, breaking the heated exchange.

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